Comedian wrote:So for the returners- where do you put your tshirt? Short of putting it in the velomobile my only idea is the back of the bib?

I'll be carrying a little backpack, that'll keep any goodies away from my body which will not be exactly be bystander friendly I've got a few extras goodies to pick up thanks to going for sponsorship and raising just over $2k for the Heart Foundation.

hopefully my number turns up today, but i'll be on a black Scott CR1 Pro with a pink reflective strip on the back of my helmet (for when you are coming up to pass me, not me passing you )

Comedian wrote:So for the returners- where do you put your tshirt? Short of putting it in the velomobile my only idea is the back of the bib?

Last year I thought I'd just wear it under my jersey for the return leg â€” bad move, I really underestimated how much extra heat it'd keep in. So half way back I stopped and took off the t-shirt, and just stuffed it in a jersey pocket. The main difficulty I found riding back last year was finding places to refill my bidons. This time I'll be more vigilant, even if it means buying something, because it's no fun running out.

bprb wrote:The main difficulty I found riding back last year was finding places to refill my bidons. This time I'll be more vigilant, even if it means buying something, because it's no fun running out.

bprb wrote: The main difficulty I found riding back last year was finding places to refill my bidons. This time I'll be more vigilant, even if it means buying something, because it's no fun running out.

There are heaps of places to buy drinks, a mix of servo's and corner shops...with the odd pub thrown in as well

bprb wrote: The main difficulty I found riding back last year was finding places to refill my bidons. This time I'll be more vigilant, even if it means buying something, because it's no fun running out.

There are heaps of places to buy drinks, a mix of servo's and corner shops...with the odd pub thrown in as well

bprb wrote: The main difficulty I found riding back last year was finding places to refill my bidons. This time I'll be more vigilant, even if it means buying something, because it's no fun running out.

There are heaps of places to buy drinks, a mix of servo's and corner shops...with the odd pub thrown in as well

If anyone wants a list of places let me know and I'll list them here.

...and most parks you'll pass on the way have drinking fountains.

I'm sure you're right, I just fell into the trap of thinking I'd come across a drinking fountain right beside the path or road, and kept going until I was out of water, and then rode a bit further! I eventually stopped at a servo (around the bottom of Logan Rd I think), but was a touch dehydrated by then and it took maybe another 30 km to work myself back into shape.

Should be fun on Sunday. Make sure you keep the cadence up (i.e. don't grind), drink and eat plenty, and play nice with the other kids!

bprb wrote:I'm sure you're right, I just fell into the trap of thinking I'd come across a drinking fountain right beside the path or road, and kept going until I was out of water, and then rode a bit further! I eventually stopped at a servo (around the bottom of Logan Rd I think), but was a touch dehydrated by then and it took maybe another 30 km to work myself back into shape.

Should be fun on Sunday. Make sure you keep the cadence up (i.e. don't grind), drink and eat plenty, and play nice with the other kids!

There is certainly water at the following locations on the way back- Albert River Park (Beenleigh)- Logan River Parkland (Loganholme)

Just keep half an eye out for parks with facilities (BBQs, Shelter, etc) as they almost always have drinking water available.

As for cadence... everyone's sweet spot is different so don't sweat it.

nitramluap wrote:I've seen you about. I'm guessing that your in the red group because that thing flys

Yes, I'm in the red group.

I'll probably show up to the start at about 4:30. I'm aiming for a modest 3 hours down as I HAVE to ride home - I don't have a choice there. If I fang it on the way down and injure myself (or just bonk) then the ride home will be very unpleasant. It weighs 30kg so it takes a bit of effort to get it up to speed and up hills. Downhill is a different story but I'm worried that I'm not going to be given room to pass on the busway... my horn might get a workout

I'm not too fussed about photos. If I stick it to the top it won't be seen, same goes for on the side (50% visible) and the front is too curve-y... I could put it on my helmet. We'll see. Besides, it might not stick to the body as I'm waxing her up for the day - it's going to be super slippery!

If anyone is looking for a group to hop on, we have 12 at the moment (8 guys, 4 girls) who'll be starting in the 30+ group. All are experienced at drafting and calling conditions so safety should be enhanced, in addition to speed.

We're meeting 4.50a-5.00a at the north end of the Goodwill Bridge. Most of us will be wearing blue and black Ascot Catering kit.

We will try to stay together or break into two smaller groups (depending on safety and conditions) til the end of the busway. The fastest will push on with no stops (encouraged to carry 3 bottles electrolyte and 1x30-35g muesli bar/hr or 1.5-2xgels /hr or 1 banana/hr or a mix of similar). The rest of us will sort ourselves out.

nitramluap wrote:it might not stick to the body as I'm waxing her up for the day

It took me a moment to remember you were talking about the velomobile!

Thanks for the tips about water locations. And you're quite right that everyone has their own cadence; my experience has just invariably been that if I let myself grind too much early I regret it later in the day, so it's something I try to be mindful of myself.